You may have heard of rotating outages, but you might not be sure what they are exactly. Anytime there are extreme temperature conditions–whether it be in the summer or winter–rotating outages may occur. So, what are rotating outages, how do they work, and how can our members help?
ERCOT and Rotating Outages
ERCOT is the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. They manage the flow of electric power to more than 26 million consumers in the state of Texas by scheduling power on a statewide electricity grid. This grid connects more than 52,700 miles of transmission lines that make up about 90% of the state’s electric load. ERCOT is a membership-based, nonprofit corporation. Their members include GVEC and our members, along with other cooperatives, consumers, providers and utilities. They are managed by a board of directors and subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the State Legislature.
Every year, ERCOT plans for how much power they expect to be pulled from the grid according to usage from previous years compared to expected weather conditions and growth in electric demand predicted for the upcoming seasons. The goal is making sure power consumption is never equal to or greater than power generated, keeping a reserve margin of electricity for higher demand occasions. However, instances such as extreme temperatures in the winter or summertime can cause electricity consumption to escalate higher than normal and the margin to drop below the targeted amount. This can result in an increased need for Energy Emergency Alerts (EEAs) in order to preserve grid reliability. Increased likelihood of EEAs also means an increased likelihood of rotating outages being mandated by ERCOT.
How Do Rotating Outages Work?
To be clear, rotating are not a GVEC service issue. They are mandated by ERCOT when statewide electricity demand exceeds the generation supply. GVEC is required by law to comply. Controlled rotating outages reduce system load to help stabilize the state grid and help to prevent uncontrolled statewide blackouts.
During a controlled rotating outage, GVEC must shed a specified amount of load, as defined by ERCOT. We receive no prior warning before ERCOT issues an official alert and must deploy outages within minutes after a mandate is issued, which does not allow time to pre-notify members.
These controlled rotating outages should last no more than 60 minutes in any single instance. If members experience a longer interval, they’re encouraged to call us to report the outage.
How Can Members Help?
Practicing energy efficiency, especially once an alert has been issued by ERCOT, is the best way members can help. Although efficiency is important every day, when an EEA is issued, it’s critical to reduce demand. We recommend the following steps for the highest impact:
-
- Try to limit usage to only what’s necessary, turning unnecessary lighting, appliances and electronics.
- Avoid using a dishwasher, washer, dryer, ovens, coffee makers and other home appliances, particularly between the hours of 3 to 7 p.m. or the hours specified in the conservation appeal.
- Set AC thermostats to 78 degrees when at home or as high as you can comfortably tolerate. Use fans to circulate air and close blinds and/or drapes on windows that receive direct sun light.
- When away from home, raise your thermostat setting, and turn off all fans. Close blinds and drapes on windows that get direct sun.
- Avoid running pool pumps between 3 and 7 p.m. Run them instead in the early morning or overnight to reduce usage during peak demand times.
- Businesses should minimize electric lighting use and reduce the use of electricity-consuming equipment wherever possible.
- Larger electricity consumers might consider shutting down or reducing nonessential processes.
Winter peaks often occur in early morning and evening on very cold days. Avoid using large appliances such as dishwashers, laundry equipment and ovens from 5 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. While you’re home, set your thermostat to 68 degrees or to as low a temperature as you can tolerate. Even raising your thermostat 2-3 degrees can help make a difference. Close blinds and drapes at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. Limit electricity usage to only what’s absolutely necessary. Turn off and unplug lights and appliances not in use.
Follow GVEC on Social Media
Following GVEC on social media can help keep you informed of any EEAs or rotating outages issued by ERCOT. EEA levels and tips on when and how to conserve energy will be posted on all our social media outlets. Don’t be left in the dark! Stay in-the-know by following us on Facebook (@GVECsocial), Twitter (@GVEC_Tweets), Instagram (@GVEC_INSTA) today!
